The Buzz Audio Kick 500-Series Compressor brings the rich, punchy attitude of diode bridge compression into a compact 500-series format, giving engineers a colorful dynamics tool that can tighten drums, energize vocals, and add harmonic weight without turning the session into a wrestling match.
Inspired by classic diode bridge designs but built with Buzz Audio’s own discrete Class A circuitry, the Kick delivers vintage-flavored control with modern flexibility and headroom. Designed around a balanced audio path, custom “radio steel” transformer, and Buzz Audio BE41 Class A discrete output amplifiers, the Kick offers the kind of tight, colorful, harmonically rich compression that works beautifully on drums, drum buss, loops, bass, vocals, and mix elements that need both control and vibe. Its dynamic ratio behavior increases progressively with deeper gain reduction, allowing the compressor to move naturally from gentle leveling to assertive control as the source gets more animated. Operation is straightforward, with switched attack and release times, output gain, compression amount, stereo link capability, Soft mode for retaining more transient life, and a Bass sidechain filter that reduces low-frequency compression sensitivity for added punch. A fast 15-segment LED gain reduction meter keeps you visually locked in while you shape the feel of the track.
Buzz Audio Kick 500-Series Compressor Features
- 500-series diode bridge compressor inspired by classic vintage dynamics designs
- Balanced audio path from input to output for strong headroom
- Custom transformer feeding the diode bridge gain reduction circuit
- Buzz Audio BE60 buffer input amplifiers and BE41 Class A discrete output amplifiers
- Dynamic ratio behavior increases with deeper gain reduction
- Six switched attack settings for precise transient control
- Six release settings including Auto release
- Soft mode helps preserve dynamic peaks for lighter compression
- Bass sidechain filter reduces low-frequency compression sensitivity
- Stereo link option for using two Kick modules together
- Fast 15 LED gain reduction meter
- Hardwire bypass via Engage switch
Buzz Audio Kick 500-Series Compressor Specifications
- Maximum Input Level: +27dBu
- Maximum Output Level: +27dBu
- Noise: -80dBu (measured A Weighted with no make up gain applied)
- Gain: variable 0dB to +15dB
- Frequency Response: 6Hz to 400kHz measured no gain reduction
- Harmonic Distortion: At +10dBu input level, no gain reduction; 0.28% @ 100Hz, 0.25% @ 1kHz, 0.15% @ 10kHz
- Harmonic Distortion: With 10dB gain reduction (Release set to 400mS); 1.5% @ 100Hz, 0.5% @ 1kHz, 0.5% @ 10kHz
- Standard Operating Level: +4dBu
- Size: (37Wx132H). Fits 1 space in API 500 series rack format
- Power requirements: 100mA +/- 15-18 volts DC, as supplied by frame power supply
Buzz Audio Kick 500-Series Compressor Includes
- Buzz Audio Kick 500-Series Compressor
- Manufacturer Warranty
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